What Is Addison’s Disease?

Addison’s disease happens when your pet’s adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones (both mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids). These hormones are critical for balancing electrolytes, blood pressure, and energy. Addison’s disease is lifelong but very manageable with proper care.

Treatment

Your pet will need two medications for life:

1. A monthly injection (DOCP or Zycortal) that replaces mineralocorticoids.

2. A daily pill (prednisone) that replaces glucocorticoids.

These medicines cannot be stopped.

Monitoring & Rechecks

Bloodwork is critical to make sure electrolytes are stable.

You can expect your Veterinarian to recheck bloodwork at 10–14 days after the first injection, again at day 25, and after any dose change.

Once your pet is stable, rechecks every 3–6 months are standard.

Expect that the first few months may require multiple visits and blood draws before everything is stabilized.

Stressful Situations

During times of stress (boarding, travel, illness, surgery, even grooming), your dog may need an extra dose of prednisone (often double the regular dose).

This is called “stress dosing.”

Ask your veterinary team if you are unsure whether to give extra prednisone.

Signs To Watch For

Undertreatment (not enough medication): weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, collapse, poor appetite.

Overtreatment (too much medication): excessive drinking/urination, panting, big appetite, restlessness.

Action Plan

If you see these signs, seek veterinary care immediately.

If your regular veterinarian is closed, go to the nearest emergency clinic.